An introduction to the initial hospital management of acute trauma

Airway management with cervical spine control treatment options include:

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  O₂ administration
  
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  Basic airway manouvers: chin lift+ jaw thrust
  
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  Oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway- but caution with bleeding
  
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  Endotracheal intubation
  
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  Surgical airway ie Cricothyroid/Tracheostomy
  

Breathing & Ventilation

The chest must be examined by inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. Trachea position (central or displaced), neck vein distension, cyanosis, respiratory rate and pattern, breath sounds, O₂ saturation, visible wounds / flail chest, surgical emphysema, and chest symmetry should be sought. Life threatening chest injuries such as tension pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, flail chest and massive haemothorax must be identified and rapidly treated.

Breathing treatment options include:

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  Endotracheal intubation and ventilation
  
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  Needle decompression
  
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  Chest drain
  
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  Pericardial drainage
  
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  Thoracotomy
  
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  Adequate analgesia